The legislation passed both Ohio houses and was signed into law by Governor Richard Celeste in 1986.

[5] In 1990, the university awarded its first bachelor's degrees, having been authorized by the state Regents to establish baccalaureate programs two years earlier.

[13] Shawnee State University has more than 70 associate, bachelor, and master's degree programs.

[21] Shawnee State marketing materials note that more than $25 million is awarded annually in financial aid; annual expenditures as of 2022 list approximately $11 million as federal direct loans which must be repaid by borrowers.

[28] SSU offers summer study abroad programs in Greece, Great Britain, and Ireland, and other countries.

[30] The university offers an "English as a Second Language Program" on campus for International Students.

The university is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), primarily competing in the River States Conference (RSC) since the 2023–2024 academic year.

Shawnee State competes in the following intercollegiate varsity sports: Men's sports include baseball, basketball, bowling, cross country, golf, soccer, tennis, swimming, and track & field (indoor & outdoor); while women's sports include basketball, bowling, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, track & field (indoor & outdoor) and volleyball.